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In Minnesota we still don't know who won the Senate Seat, will it be the carpet bagger that wasn't a resident or Norm Coleman the man that brought professional hockey back to Minnesota. Norm gained his campaign slogan as the Mayor of St. Paul, but not for his senate position.

cave canem...beware of the dog
Richard Halstead (halst001 at yahoo.com)

In terms of congress, all politics is local. If people didn't like their congressman or senator, they wouldn't re-elect them. We can vote only for our local candidate. The only thing you can do about someone else's candidate is to open your wallet.

Actually, the vetting process is quite rigorous. Every politically active group has at least a questionnaire. Many have screening committees.

The intense personal attacks that are part of the current political environment discourages the best and brightest from running. If it doesn't abate, we will be left with carpetbaggers, shysters and crazies interested in running.

In terms of congress, all politics is local. If people didn't like their congressman or senator, they wouldn't re-elect them. We can vote only for our local candidate. The only thing you can do about someone else's candidate is to open your wallet.

Been there - DO that.

Actually, the vetting process is quite rigorous. Every politically active group has at least a questionnaire. Many have screening committees.

I've been a candidate - so know a little about the vetting process. One of my prouder moments is my rating by the WA State Public Employees Union. Most fiscally conservative candidate in the state by a wide margin.

The intense personal attacks that are part of the current political environment discourages the best and brightest from running. If it doesn't abate, we will be left with carpetbaggers, shysters and crazies interested in running.

I do not consider it a personal attack to tell the truth about someone's voting record. As for those you describe as the potential - are'nt we already there. Unless you believe Nancy Pelousy, Henry Nostrils, Harry Ream, et al to be normal.

J Dogger - I ignore no one, what I wait for is some glimmer of intelligence to waft it's way into the internetosphere from that source. To date you have failed. But, please continue, in your case the blind pig theory may prevail.

Been there - DO that.
I've been a candidate - so know a little about the vetting process. One of my prouder moments is my rating by the WA State Public Employees Union. Most fiscally conservative candidate in the state by a wide margin.

If a candidate gets rated by organization with clout "most" something or other it usually means his/her campaign is in peril.

Originally Posted by Marvin S

I do not consider it a personal attack to tell the truth about someone's voting record. As for those you describe as the potential - are'nt we already there. Unless you believe Nancy Pelousy, Henry Nostrils, Harry Ream, et al to be normal.

Marv, it is no sin to tell how their voting record differs from your ideal. But, they don't represent you. They represent their constituents. What and I may think of those you mention it doesn't cut any ice. We don't get to vote for them.

If a candidate gets rated by organization with clout "most" something or other it usually means his/her campaign is in peril.

All non-incumbent GOP campaigns that year were in trouble - Dixy Lee Ray (a good D) was the Gubernatorial candidate that year.

But that was not where I was going with the statement. To be the "most" by that margin means I'm either a miser or even the State's pseudo-conservatives are just that.

Marv, it is no sin to tell how their voting record differs from your ideal. But, they don't represent you. They represent their constituents. What and I may think of those you mention it doesn't cut any ice. We don't get to vote for them.

We are all governed by what those nutcases get placed into law - so they do represent me, however remotely. It's called "Taxation without Representation".

A couple of the more notable was a donation to defeat the illustrious tax dodger, Tom Dashole. Also made a couple of donations to the losing candidate in Colorado's US Senate race this last year. We had something in common, we were both coached in high school BB by the same indidvidual. My ex-coach told me the history of this individual & I felt it to be a good investment for the country. The US lost an opportunity by putting another Udall into office.

I do contact the offices of ranking committee members by phone on issues where I desire input on the committee's agenda. So it's not quite as you see it, unless you believe it to be a small world revolving around one of the more left wing states in this nation.

BTW, do you believe me to be so naive that I do not recognize the difference between getting personal & stating facts???

We are all governed by what those nutcases get placed into law - so they do represent me, however remotely. It's called "Taxation without Representation".

At the end of the day, it is what the voters of the respective districts think counts the most

Originally Posted by Marvin S

A couple of the more notable was a donation to defeat the illustrious tax dodger, Tom Dashole

I dunno there, Marv. You were commiserating about good candidates being driven off by abuse. Well, here you go again!

Originally Posted by Marvin S

made a couple of donations to the losing candidate in Colorado's US Senate race this last year. The US lost an opportunity by putting another Udall into office.

I bought a few holes in the floor, too, over my lifetime. So, I won a few and lost a few. If I lose, so be it. The other guy had a better message and it doesn't exactly ruin my day.

Originally Posted by Marvin S

I do contact the offices of ranking committee members by phone on issues where I desire input on the committee's agenda. So it's not quite as you see it, unless you believe it to be a small world revolving around one of the more left wing states in this nation.

Marv, I do that stuff to from time to time. I have been down there in the congressional offices doing some of the stuff as you are.

I perceive your remark as a "disparagement" of the great state of Minnesota. It isn't as left wing as you think. The state is quite politically diverse. There are Catholics and Lutherans. The Gov. is a conservative. Michelle Bachman is something else, but is not a flaming liberal. Jesse Ventura is generally a mess of everything. Norm Coleman is a carpetbagger and he is what ever the way the wind is blowing. Al Franken is a carpetbagger and he is --Well, you know. But we try to get along with each other, here.

Originally Posted by Marvin S

BTW, do you believe me to be so naive that I do not recognize the difference between getting personal & stating facts???